Another OB Visit

This morning Chris and I headed to another doctor's appointment to check up on the babe. This time around I had to do the glucose tolerance test. Well, I failed. Big time. He seemed concerned and visited with us for about 15-20 minutes. He gave suggestions on diet and exercise. Hopefully, this baby isn't a "13-pounder" he said (joking, I hope?). The prediction he gave was that this was going to be another big baby, but just how big is the major concern for me at this point. They also tested my hemoglobin level. It has dropped 2 whole points since my blood draw in June. A normal range for hemoglobin is 12-14; I'm a bit low. They will keep monitoring it, but otherwise a low count could mean adding an iron pill to my regular prenatal vitamin. We'll wait and see what the four hour sugar test tells me next week. I will be able to take the test at our clinical lab, which is located just downstairs in the building where I work. Being an employee, I receive services at no charge, both anatomically and clinically related! One of the few perks I guess, even though it's not a service I regularly need... Plus, I can still work and run down for a draw every hour which will work nicely with my schedule.

I've also been having lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I had the same thing with Ava, so I'm not too concerned about that. My doctor told me not to rub my belly and to sit down and rest as needed during my regular routine or during exercise.

Anyways, I was glad that Chris was still on fall break and was able to go along with me to catch all of the instructions I may have missed. My next scheduled appointment will depend on how the four hour glucose test goes next week.

Stats at 27 weeks:

• Blood pressure 118/82
• Gained...too much!
• Hemoglobin 11.6 (12-14 is ideal)
• Glucose tolerance test 182...yikes (worse than the failed score of 150 with Ava)
• Baby's heartrate sounded great!
• Fundal height 29 cm, which means I'm measuring two weeks big

Dear Love,

To the greatest man on Earth who I've fallen madly in love with...happy 3rd anniversary!! And so much has happened in those three years! I love you!

Today, we have taken off work together, sent the girls away to daycare and enjoyed the day as a couple. It's been lovely! Spent the day shopping, eating and relaxing. First, we did some shopping at Kohl's and then headed to Perkins for brunch - delicious! After my eye doctor appointment, Chris picked me up and we headed to our couple's "tandem" massage appointment at Center Stage Day Spa that lasted for an hour! I have been wanting a prenatal massage, and I found a deal on a couple's package. Chris has never had a massage but finally agreed to go along with me for an amazing relaxation masage. I think he enjoyed it too! I sure did, but I knew I would.

We are expecting our 3rd child 3 months from the day of our 3rd anniversary! Isn't that funny?! I would definitely take a gamble on "3" today even though I don't gamble. I am looking forward to many more blissful years together. It's been a great time!!! =)

XOXO

Another Birthday Girl in the House

Happy, happy birthday to Big A!! Alexis is 10 today!

Where has the time gone?! Mmmm, just had Sonic drive thru (birthday meal choice) and rented Pink Panther 2 for the girls. While typing this post, I am listening to Hannah Montana solos [cringe]. It's amazing what you get when A and her best friend have a sleepover. They found the H.M. lyrics and a microphone and some musical "instruments." Sure thankful for the two levels in our house. At least they are having a good time!

We had a lovely celebration with family yesterday. I think everyone enjoyed a fall gathering at Mom & Dad's house. Besides the hostess....ahem....ME....burning half the food that was served, it went fairly well! At least the hot apple cider was delicious. We had a soup and bread dinner, and the weather proved to be a perfect match with the soup. A bit cool and wet, not to mention muddy from all the moisture we've had lately, the party in the country ended up a success. Despite swine flu season in Nebraska, all of the guests appeared to be healthy. Took pictures which are not yet downloaded to the computer. I'm pretty tired from the weekend's festivities, so I will do that another day!

Update 10/27/09: My sister most likely has the swine flu...

Pumpkin Patch

Beautiful October weather in the upper 60's (for a change) means very crazy pumpkin patch traffic. To give you an idea of just how busy: We heard from one couple later in the afternoon that the drive from the I-80 exit to the parking lot [3 miles] was 2.5 hours!!

Today was the annual Vala's Pumpkin Patch day for Hormel employees and their families. After some discussion, we decided that it's been at least seven years running for the traditional day at the pumpkin patch with the Gates family. At the astonishing regular admission price of $12+, Hormel day allows us to go at a reasonable rate, and they even provide lunch! Thanks, Dad, for taking your kids and grandkids for another great year at the pumpkin patch!!! We look forward to it every year!

Highlights: Go carts pedalers, slides, pig races, hayrack ride to the pumpkin fields, tractor carts, blacklight golfing and mama's favorite...caramel apples!

Some photos!

The 3 Granddaughters

Raasch Four on a Hayrack Ride

Little A and Papa

Cousins (Niece Melany and Little A)


Nana, Papa and their Grandkids
End of the day, 5 hours later, and still smiling - it's been a good day =)

Happy 30th Birthday To Me

It's the big 3-0 birthday for me today! My co-workers gave me a super nice birthday celebration at work...will post some pictures I took from my camera phone when I get a chance.

10/7/09 - Pictures as promised

My decorated office space:

The ridiculous amount of really yummy food:

I feel FULL. Ate too much today! I guess that makes it a great day, huh?? I'm sure baby is thinking "Whoa sugar overload! Wee!" Anyway, thank you to everyone who made my day extra special by sending me an e-mail or making a phone call. Looking forward to Saturday when my hubby can hopefully take me on a dinner date! We hope to visit my sister and her husband in Omaha. =)

Our Little Monkey

A has this obsession with wet wipes. She loves them! She requires at least one every evening. We've gotten smart and gathered all the dried up wipes to re-wet them as needed. This generally suffices. Whether it be wiping her face or hands, her dolly's face, cleaning something, etc., she keeps pretty entertained with one. We keep antibacterial wipes in the cars and my purse as well as the diaper bag and on top of the changing table (which we've kept up for the new baby's purpose more than anything).

This evening we discovered that our 2-year old can make it to new heights - and apparently easy too. Ava showed up in the living room with a fresh, full, wet diaper wipe in hand. (Note that we tear them in half before letting her play with one - darn things are expensive!) Daddy asked her where she got it, so we all marched back to the bedroom. Sure enough she showed us exactly how she got to it, and in about 2.5 seconds flat she was on all fours on top of the changing table. It's a good thing she's not still in a crib!!

P.S. Happy October!